Sworders are delighted to present the David Rapley Collection – a lifelong assemblage of fine silver, gold, and decorative arts. Offered across a series of auctions, the collection reflects decades of passion, expertise, and connoisseurship.
David Rapley’s discerning eye for quality and originality has shaped an exceptional collection featuring works by leading 20th-century silversmiths and designers, alongside significant pieces by Scandinavian and other European makers. Among its many highlights are creations by master craftsman Stuart Devlin, whose innovative designs have long been central to David’s collecting journey.
“My focus on modern silver began after I discovered a Stuart Devlin piece online – a silver-gilt egg, believed to be a prototype for his iconic series of surprise eggs,” explains Rapley. “Recognising Devlin’s originality and imagination, I began collecting his work extensively, eventually amassing over 100 pieces, many unique or specially commissioned.”
When Rapley met noted collector John Andrew at Sworders’ 2021 exhibition of Andrew’s own collection, Andrew remarked that Rapley’s holdings “may be one of the largest private Devlin collections in the UK.”
Alongside Devlin, David's collection expands to works by Christopher Nigel Lawrence, and Scandinavian makers such as David Andersen and Marius Hammer, which demonstrate the breadth and sophistication of the collection.
Born in Geelong, Victoria, Australia, in 1931, Stuart Devlin showed a passion for design from an early age, winning his first scholarship at 13 and achieving an Art Diploma with the highest marks ever awarded at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. By 1958, he had earned multiple scholarships, eventually studying at the Royal College of Art in London, where he became the only student to receive diplomas in Light Engineering Design and gold and silversmithing. Devlin gained fame in 1964 by designing Australia's first decimal coinage, and by 1972, he had earned numerous accolades, including a Royal Warrant of Appointment as Goldsmith and Jeweller to Queen Elizabeth II in 1982.
Known for his unique, biomorphic designs blending silver, filigree, and silver-gilt, Devlin's work defied clear stylistic categorisation, often evoking ancient or otherworldly aesthetics. His pieces, ranging from candelabras to furniture, combined artistry and function, and his signature use of rosewood added depth to his creations. After retiring to Littlehampton in 1992, Devlin embraced computer-aided design, continuing to push creative boundaries until his death in 2018. His groundbreaking contributions to the world of silversmithing and design cemented his legacy among the greats like Benvenuto Cellini and Paul Storr.
We are delighted to be offering the second selection of works from the David Rapley Collection in our upcoming Design auction on 27 January 2026.
Part two of the collection consists of forty-three lots: thirty-four by Stuart Devlin, and nine by Christopher Nigel Lawrence that complement and expand upon the first offering, bringing more masterfully crafted objets d’art to the market from this prestigious private collection.
Included in the Stuart Devlin selection is an impressive silver and silver-gilt filigree centrepiece from 1971, illustrated on the cover of the 2018 catalogue Stuart Devlin: Designer Goldsmith Silversmith by Carole Devlin and Victoria Kate Simkin. Further highlights include a silver and silver-gilt music box from 1976, and an 18ct gold surprise egg from 1977. As always, the sale also includes a selection of the ever-popular characterful, expressive paperweights modelled as animals: this time we see a hippopotamus, a rabbit, a ram, a donkey, and an owl. The lots by Devlin in this sale demonstrate the breadth of the maker’s abilities and cement his position as one of the most important metalworkers of the twentieth century.
The Christopher Nigel Lawrence offerings is equally varied and enticing. A particular highlight is the set of six silver goblets from 1972, offered in its original fitted display box together with the original signed certificate of authenticity. Further to this, a silver mushroom model in the form of a house with a ladder leading to the door from 1979 is a whimsical, charming piece that sits beautifully alongside the 1983 silver and silver-gilt acorn that opens to reveal two silver-gilt squirrels playing. Both lots, intricately constructed with ease and finesse, are testament to the creativity and skill of the maker.
With an extensive array of items and estimates ranging from £200 to £12,000, there is something for every collector.
The first part of the collection was offered in our October Design auction, and was marked with a special exhibition held in partnership with the London Design Festival. This first instalment attracted competitive bidding from the UK and internationally, reaching the USA, Australia, and Canada.
Highlights included a set of five trumpet flute champagne glasses that soared to £4,420, an intricate gem-set surprise egg which achieved £6,240, and a set of two water pitchers that sold for £7,150.
All sold prices shown include fees.
